Panaji is the state capital of Goa. The city is also known as Panjim. Panaji with a population of 40,017 (2011 census), is the biggest city in north Goa, and the third biggest city in the state after Vasco da Gama and Margao. It is on the southern banks of the Mandovi River. However, the greater Panaji metropolitan area also has a beachfront location with the Arabian Sea. It is the peninsula of the Mandovi where you will see floating casinos and cruise boats. Panjim is 27.8 kilometers from the Goa International Airport at Dabolim.

Goa is best known for its beaches. In Panaji, you will find the Miramar and some other beaches, but the city is more about heritage buildings, churches, temples, architecture, walking tours, and fun activities like casino gaming and river cruising. There are many English cafes and French restaurants tucked away in small corners. You can see historic churches and Fontainhas, the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The famous beaches of Goa are also not that far away. Just across the river to the north you will find the three most popular beaches of north Goa – Candolim, Calangute, and Baga. You can also visit the Aguada Fort at the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.

Panaji’s other name Panjim is inherited from Portuguese. This name is more popular in the western world, though most locals refer to the city as Panaji.

Panaji Map

Panaji Gallery

Quick Facts About Panjim

Panaji is the state capital of Goa.

The biggest city in north Goa and the third biggest city in the state.

Best Time To Visit Panaji

The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is nice and cool, there is very little rain and humidity. The summer is hot. Temperature will range between 33°C and 35°C, with some days being even hotter. Humidity makes it worse. Monsoon between June and early September sees a lot of rain because of the sea. There will be occasional thundershowers as well. The winter, December and January, sees better weather. It is cooler with very little rain and humidity. You can visit the many tourist attractions in Panaji and also do a walking tour without sweating.

Climate in Panaji

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Year

Average high, °C

31,6

31,5

32,0

33,0

33,0

30,3

28,9

28,8

29,5

31,6

32,8

32,4

31,3

Average low, °C

19,6

20,5

23,2

25,6

26,3

24,7

24,1

24,0

23,8

23,8

22,3

20,6

23,2

Average precipitation mm

0,2

0,1

1,2

11,8

112,7

868,2

994,8

512,7

251,9

124,8

30,9

16,7

2926

Most tourists visit Panjim in the winter. But there are visitors throughout the year as it is the state capital. The Goa legislative assembly is at Panaji, and also a bench of the Bombay High Court. There are also many offices and businesses.

How To Reach Panaji

By Air — The Dabolim airport is 27.8 kilometers from Panaji by the NH 66 and NH366. Air India, Indigo, Spice Jet, Go Air, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air Asia, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways connect the airport to other Indian and international destinations. With average traffic, you will reach the city center from the airport in about an hour.

By Rail — The Karmali railway station (station code – KRMI) is 13.2 kilometers away. However, most express trains do not stop here. It is best to take the train to Margao, which is at a distance of 49.5 kilometers. All trains stop here as Margao is a major Konkan Railway junction. It will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes from here by road. Or you can take a local train from Margao and get down at Karmali station.

By Road — The capital of Goa is well connected with all Indian cities by road.

Top 10 Things To See In Panaji

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – This was a small chapel constructed in 1541. A larger church was made here in 1619. It overlooks the main square of Panaji and the Mandovi River. Portuguese sailors used to offer their prayers here for a successful voyage. Services are still performed daily in Portuguese, Konkani and English. See the architecture. The ambience is very peaceful.

Basilica of Bom Jesus – The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most famous landmark of Goa. It is a short distance away from Panaji. You can see here the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. The church is small, but it is more than 400 years old. There is a lot of religious artwork inside. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, also called Borea Jezuchi Bajilika, is a must visit.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi – This church is located just across a garden from the Bom Jesus Basilica. It was constructed by the Portuguese in 1661. See the tomb of Saint Francis Xavier here and the cemetery just beside the church. Don’t forget to bring flowers and candles.

Old Town – Fontainhas or the Latin Quarter is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Goa. You will see some beautiful old Portuguese mansions here in the narrow streets. See the houses with protruding balconies, red tiled roofs, ornate windows, and intricate railings. Many houses have colorful walls and hand-painted blue-on-white plaques. Walk through the lanes. You will love the Portuguese influence and the old world charm of Fontainhas. Also visit the St Sebastian Chapel.

Goa State Museum – Exhibits and displays will tell you the story of the historical and archeological heritage of Goa. It is also called the State Archaeology Museum. There are many art objects, cultural exhibits, and antiquities in the two dozen galleries. Go through the galleries of Christian art, sculpture, contemporary art, cultural anthropology, natural heritage, stamps, and more. It is very close to Fontainhas in the capital of Goa.

Goa Science Center – The science center is a good place to visit with kids. There are 3D shows, interactive science exhibits, laughing mirrors, floating balls, large dinosaurs, shows about space and astronomy, and even a section on marine science. Workshops and training sessions are also held. It is located on the Miramar beach.

Campal Gardens – This big garden is at the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. Also called the Bhagwan Mahavir Children’s Park, this sprawling greenery is well maintained by the forest department. There are pedal boats, a big cannon, park for children, statue of Bhagwan Mahavir, and many sitting areas.

Menezes Braganza Institute – This is the oldest established society in Goa. It promotes culture and literary activities.

Altino Hill – The hilly neighborhood of Panaji, this was once an elite residential colony. The Archbishop's palace and Goa’s Chief Minister’s residence are both located here.

Idalgo Palace – This is one of the oldest buildings in the capital of Goa and now the state secretariat. It is a prominent landmark.

There are temples you can also visit like the Mahalakshmi Mandir and the Maruti Temple. These historical and cultural monuments are worth your time.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach in Panaji

Miramar is a 1.25 kilometer long golden sandy beach in Panaji. The beach was called Porta de Gaspar Dias during the Portuguese rule. The Portuguese also constructed a fort here in the 16th century, but it was razed to the ground later. You will find the Miramar twin sand statues at the northern end. Throughout the beach there are joy rides and food stalls. There is also one cannon that points to the sea. Sometimes public events are held here.

Miramar is not the best beach in Goa for swimming. But you can take a leisurely stroll here to relax and enjoy nature.

Beaches Close To Panaji

Caranzalem Beach – This is a 1.5 kilometer long beach just south of Miramar. It is actually the same stretch of sandy shore that extends from Miramar. However, Caranzalem is a better beach for swimming as there are no undercurrents. The Cabo Raj Niwas, full of heritage furniture, is at its southern end. There is also a park and the National Institute of Watersports.

Bambolim Beach – The Bambolim beach is on the other side of Panaji, on the city’s southern fringes. It is lined with palm trees and remains serene and quiet as there are few visitors. There are a few rocks on the beach. The most notable landmark here is the luxury Grand Hyatt hotel and the Strike Casino.

Vainguinim Beach – A very relaxing and peaceful 230 meter long beach south of Panaji. It is lined by trees that are home to many species of birds. There are rocky outcrops at both ends of the beach, but the main section has white, soft sand. A good place for a serene vacation! There are good hotels around Vainguinim, but you won’t find any beach shacks.

Dona Paula Beach – A good beach in the capital of Goa for sunsets. Go to the oceanfront promenade at Dona Paula viewpoint to see sunsets. Dona Paula forms a nice bay, which is one of the best in Goa. Many sail boats take off from the Adventure Breaks Sailing Base. There is also the Dolphin Adventure Sports where you can learn water sports and ride on speed boats. See the old statue of Dona Paula.

There are some other beaches too, like the Dias beach, Nauxim beach, and the Marivel beach. They are all in the southern fringes of Panaji and very small.

Casino Gaming In Panaji

Casino in Panaji

Casino gambling is legal in Goa. The first casino in the state opened in the late 1990s, and since then many have opened up. Now, there are both offshore and land-based casinos. Many of them are in Panaji, mostly on the Mandovi River.

Top Casinos In The Capital Of Goa

Casino Royale – Also called Deltin Royale, this is the most popular Goa casino. It is on a vessel on the Mandovi River and offers 50 classical board games, slots machines, blackjack, teen patti, American roulette, baccarat, Indian Flush, and a room only for poker. Entertainment shows, VIP-rooms, helicopter platform.

Carnival Casino – Located at the Goa Marriott hotel in Miramar beach. Games include American Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, 5-card poker, slots machines, progressive jackpots. The largest selection of slots in Goa! There is an offshore casino too on the Mandovi.

MV Caravela – Just off the Barco jetty in Panaji! This casino is also owned by the Deltin group. Plenty of games, guest suites and rooms! There is an on-deck Jacuzzi, spa, fine dining, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar on the sundeck as well.

Casino Pride – Another popular casino on the Mandovi River on a 30,000 sq. ft. vessel! Spread over 3 floors, you can choose from flush, mini flush, 5-card poker, Texas Hold’em poker, rummy, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and slots machines. They also organize poker tournaments.

The Best Places For Walking And Shopping

There are many good places in the capital of Goa like the Campal Boulevard, the 18th June Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mala area and the Largo da Igreja.

Top 5 Cafes And Restaurants In Panaji

Viva Panjim – This is a small street-side restaurant in an old Portuguese house. There are only a few tables, but the food is some of the best you will find. Try their Goan classics, pork dishes, kingfish vindaloo, marinated chicken, and the desserts.

Black Sheep Bistro – This is a boutique restaurant with a dark-wood bar, dining lounge, and pale-yellow façade. Try their pasta, seafood, salads, lamb dishes, and the tapas.

Cafe Bodega – A café in the Altinho Hill neighborhood within a Portuguese mansion. The best here includes fresh-baked cakes, sandwiches, pizza, juices, and coffee.

Cafe Mojo – The cozy English pub that serves mostly a young crowd. There is an LCD screen and beer tap in each table. Just buy a card, swipe at your table, and the drink will start pouring. The cocktails and food are good too.

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